-
Canadian Queen Victoria Stamps and Covers: A Study in Rare Varieties
The world of stamp collecting offers endless opportunities to discover rare varieties and historical nuances. In a recent presentation by Arnie Janson, we took a closer look at some fascinating varieties of Queen Victoria stamps, from the iconic Three Penny Beaver to the intricate Large and Small Queen series. With a focus on specific varieties,…
-
Exploring Greenland Stamps: Vikings, Polar Bears, Missionaries and More
Exploring Greenland Stamps: A Philatelic Adventure with Sam Vascones Greenland, the world’s largest island, holds a unique place not only geographically but also in the world of philately. Sam Vascones’ presentation takes us through the fascinating history of Greenland’s stamps, showcasing their rich connection to the island’s past and its intriguing global ties. This blog…
-
Saseno Island Stamps: A Complete Collector’s Guide
Discovering Saseno: A Hidden Gem of Stamp Collecting Saseno, a small island off the coast of Albania, might not be on the radar for most people, but its rich history and unique stamps make it a fascinating topic for collectors. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into Saseno’s history, its strategic importance in the…
-
Washington Bicentennial Stamp Covers: The Peebles Institute Scam
In his presentation, Edward Grabowski explores the intriguing story of the Peebles Institute of Health and its fraudulent operations, which spanned from the late 19th century to the 1930s. Run by Dr. Peebles and Dr. Bobo from Battle Creek, Michigan, this institution specialized in quackery—offering dubious “cures” for various ailments, including goiter and diabetes. The…
-
Discovering WWII’s Postal Innovation: Airgraph Letters
The Fascinating History of WWII Airgraph Letters: Postal Innovation on Microfilm During World War II, communication between soldiers on the frontlines and their loved ones was vital. However, the logistical challenge of sending physical letters across oceans presented significant hurdles, especially given the limited space available on military aircraft. To solve this problem, the British…
-
Unusual Postal Markings: Stories Behind the Covers
Arnie Janson’s presentation delves into the intriguing world of unusual postal markings and the fascinating stories they tell. From railway fire damage to the recovery of letters by divers, Janson takes us on a journey through time, examining the curious and sometimes mysterious world of mail and its path through disaster, miscommunication, and even prisons.…
-
Exploring Olympic History through Host Country Stamps: 1896-1948
In his fascinating presentation, Roger Mooney took us on a historical journey through Olympic postage stamps issued by host countries, spanning from the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896 to the London Games in 1948. Mooney’s focus was clear: only stamps from the host nations themselves were discussed, a unique way to trace…
-
How to Organize a Local Stamp Show: Lessons, Tips and Ideas
Organizing a local stamp show may seem daunting for a small club, but Edward Grabowski’s detailed recount of the 2018 Westfield Stamp Club annual show reveals how even a modest-sized event can be a resounding success. By blending community involvement, creative vendor options, smart fundraising, and partnerships with organizations like the U.S. Postal Service, Grabowski…
-
Reunion Covers: When Postage Due Stamps Saved the Day (1900-1901)
Philately is full of hidden gems, and one of the most intriguing stories comes from the tiny island of Reunion, a French colony in the Indian Ocean. Edward Grabowski’s presentation sheds light on a little-known postal phenomenon from the turn of the 20th century, when a shortage of regular postage stamps led to the temporary…
-
Cahoots & Covers: A Satirical Spin on AI-Driven Philatelic Fantasies!
In a humorous and imaginative presentation, Edward Grabowski introduces us to the world of “fraudulent fraud covers” — a tongue-in-cheek exploration of AI philately. This playful approach combines historical figures, postal oddities, and the creative potential of artificial intelligence, all while emphasizing that these covers are entirely fictional. Grabowski’s satirical presentation takes us through a…
